Government Announces Plans for Critical Mineral Value Processing Parks in Four Major States

Government Identifies Four States for Critical Mineral Value Processing Parks

The Indian government has identified Odisha, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra as the sites for its plan to establish four critical mineral value processing parks. According to a senior government official, the allocation of Rs 500 crore under the National Critical Mineral Mission will facilitate the establishment of these parks across the country.

Critical Mineral Processing Value Chain Essential

Establishing a processing value chain for critical minerals is crucial, as Mines Secretary Piyush Goyal emphasized in a seminar on Developing the Critical Minerals Value Chain for a Sustainable Future. Without such an ecosystem, it is challenging to utilize critical minerals, even if they are sourced domestically or abroad. As a result, these minerals often get exported without being utilized.

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Location Finalized for Processing Parks

The official confirmed that the locations for the four processing parks have been finalized, with a meeting held on April 22 with the offices of the state governments of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha. The process has been reviewed, and it is expected that the parks will be set up in these states soon, catering to the development of processing value chains for many critical minerals.

Port Access a Key Factor

The selection of these states is based on their port access, which will enable the efficient transportation of minerals and processed goods. Establishing processing value chains for critical minerals will help expand their capacity, which is essential for the industry.

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Optimistic Timeline

When asked about the timeline for the projects, Piyush Goyal expressed optimism that significant progress will be made by the end of this year. He also mentioned that a meeting between primary and secondary aluminium industry players had taken place, with the players sharing their concerns and inputs.